VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

The Master Regulator of Immunity, Inflammation, and Brain-Gut Balance

What is VIP?

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a naturally occurring 28-amino acid neuropeptide produced in the gut, pancreas, and brain, where it acts as a powerful modulator of the immune, neurological, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems. Discovered in the early 1970s, VIP has since been shown to play a central role in anti-inflammatory regulation, circadian rhythm balance, and neuroimmune coordination.

In clinical research, VIP has shown promise in addressing a wide range of complex and chronic illnesses including chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), Lyme disease, mold toxicity, neuroinflammation, and pulmonary hypertension.

Key Insight: VIP isn’t just a gut peptide — it’s a neuroimmune master switch that regulates inflammation, repairs tissue, protects the brain, and restores systemic balance.

How VIP Works

VIP binds to two G-protein-coupled receptors: VPAC1 and VPAC2, which are widely expressed in the brain, lungs, immune system, and gastrointestinal tract. Through these receptors, VIP:

• Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12)
• Promotes anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10)
• Enhances regulatory T-cell (Treg) activation and immune tolerance
• Preserves tight junctions in the gut and blood-brain barrier
• Improves cerebral perfusion and neurovascular regulation
• Supports airway dilation and pulmonary function

Reference: Delgado M, et al. “VIP and PACAP in Immunity and Inflammation: From Bench to Bedside.” Front Endocrinol. 2018;9:738.

Key Benefits of VIP

🧠 Neuroprotection and Brain Clarity

• Reduces neuroinflammation and protects against excitotoxic damage
• Enhances cerebral blood flow and oxygenation
• Improves symptoms in patients with brain fog, CIRS, or toxic encephalopathy

🛡️ Immunomodulation

• Downregulates excessive immune responses without suppressing defense
• Promotes immune balance and tolerance, reducing autoimmunity
• Critical in treatment of biotoxin illness, mold sensitivity, and Lyme

🫁 Lung and Pulmonary Health

• Acts as a bronchodilator and reduces airway inflammation
• May benefit asthma, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, and long-haul respiratory symptoms
• Restores pulmonary epithelial barrier integrity

🧬 Gut-Brain Axis Repair

• Supports intestinal barrier function (tight junction integrity)
• Reduces gut-derived systemic inflammation
• Enhances vagal tone and parasympathetic balance

🌙 Circadian Rhythm and Hormonal Support

• Regulates melatonin secretion and sleep-wake cycle
• Enhances hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis resilience
• May improve sleep architecture, mood, and cognitive energy

Clinical Use Cases

• Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
• Biotoxin illness (e.g., mold, Lyme, Babesia)
• Neurodegenerative conditions (MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s)
• Asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis
• Post-COVID or long-haul syndrome
• IBD, leaky gut, or gut-brain dysfunction

VIP is often used in advanced functional and integrative medicine as a restorative phase agent, after the removal of environmental toxins or infections.

Dosing and Administration (Research Use)

VIP is typically administered intranasally, providing direct access to the brain and systemic circulation while bypassing first-pass liver metabolism.

🔹 Intranasal Protocol (Typical):

• Dose: 100–200 mcg per spray
• Frequency: 1 spray per nostril, 2–4 times daily
• Cycle: 30–90 days depending on clinical objective
• Timing: Often used morning and evening for neural and circadian support

Can be stacked with:

• BDNF-supportive peptides (e.g., Semax, Dihexa)
• ARA-290 or KPV for anti-inflammatory synergy
• Mitochondrial peptides (e.g., SS-31, MOTS-c) in recovery phases

Must be stored properly and protected from light and heat for stability.

Safety and Side Effects

VIP has been used clinically with excellent safety data.

Mild (rare) side effects:

• Transient dizziness
• Nasal irritation
• Headache (dose-dependent)

Cautions:

• Avoid use in active mold environments until remediation is complete
• Not for use in acute infections or uncontrolled inflammation (best used post-clearance)

VIP vs. Other Peptides

Conclusion

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a powerful and clinically unique peptide for restoring immune balance, neural clarity, respiratory resilience, and gut-brain harmony. It’s especially effective in addressing complex, chronic conditions involving neuroinflammation, toxic burden, and immune dysregulation.

When used in a well-structured functional protocol, VIP can be the “final-phase restorer”—helping the body return to balance, peace, and performance after surviving high-stress biological warfare.